The modern left back’s role is changing rapidly, not just on the right side of the field where most changes have been seen.
In the past, playing as a left back was often seen as a last resort, where the least skilled player on the team would end up. It was a position nobody wanted to be in.
But things have changed. In today’s world, football has evolved quickly, turning the left back position into a sought-after role.
It’s now a highly demanding position, with coaches constantly trying to make it more complex tactically.
- What Is A Left Back In Football?
- 1. Theo Hernandez – (AC Milan)
- 2. Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
- 3. Alphonso Davies – (Bayern Munich)
- 4. Andrew Robertson – (Liverpool)
- 5. Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
- 6. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
- 7. Aleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
- 8. Raphael Guerreiro – (Bayern Munich)
- 9. Miguel Gutierrez
- 10. Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
- Other Best Left Backs In The World 2024
What Is A Left Back In Football?
A left back, often referred to as a full-back or left full-back, is a defensive player positioned on the left side of the field in football (soccer).
The primary role of a left-back is to defend against opposing players attacking down the right side of the field, while also providing support to the team’s midfielders and wingers.
Left backs are responsible for marking opposing wingers or wide attackers, preventing them from making dangerous runs or crosses into the penalty area.
They also contribute to the team’s defensive structure by intercepting passes, making tackles, and blocking shots.
In addition to their defensive duties, left backs are expected to participate in the team’s attacking play.
They often overlap with midfielders or wingers, providing width to the team’s attacking formation.
Left backs may deliver crosses into the penalty area, provide supporting passes to teammates, or even take shots on goal when opportunities arise.
Now, here are the best left back in the 2023/24 season
1. Theo Hernandez – (AC Milan)
Since his move from Real Madrid to AC Milan in 2019, Hernandez has blossomed into one of the top left-backs in Europe.
The French international arrived at Milan during a challenging period for the team but has played a pivotal role in their recent resurgence, including winning the Serie A title last season under Stefano Pioli.
Known for his dribbling skills, speed, and attacking flair, Hernandez is a key contributor to Milan’s offensive efforts. However, he’s also made significant strides in improving the team’s defensive stability.
Hernandez has earned a reputation as one of Serie A’s most versatile full-backs, frequently joining the attack to provide an additional threat. In fact, he’s second only to Ante Rebic in goals scored for AC Milan this season.
His attacking instincts are evident in his willingness to take on defenders, completing nearly two dribbles per game. Hernandez’s pace and confidence make him a constant threat down the left flank, adding a dynamic dimension to Milan’s gameplay.
2. Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen’s resurgence in the Bundesliga is fueled by the contributions of Xabi Alonso’s wing-backs, with Alex Grimaldo playing a pivotal role in their success.
Despite his small stature, Grimaldo is a dynamic force down the touchline, adept at combining with teammates and rotating positions effectively.
His skill on the ball is a major asset, especially when he drops deeper to support the defense in a back-four formation, allowing his counterpart on the opposite flank to push forward.
While primarily operating from the left flank, Grimaldo possesses the attacking instincts of a winger, often making intelligent movements to find space in central areas or even inside the opposition’s penalty area.
This versatility adds a new dimension to Leverkusen’s attacking play.
With midfielders like Florian Wirtz and Jonas Hofmann occupying central positions, Grimaldo enjoys the freedom to build up play from the left flank and showcase his creative abilities.
His outstanding performances this season have elevated him to the ranks of the world’s best left-backs, making him a key figure in Leverkusen’s pursuit of Bundesliga glory.
3. Alphonso Davies – (Bayern Munich)
When Alphonso Davies burst onto the football scene with his dazzling performances for Bayern Munich during the 2020-21 season, many wondered if he would be a one-season wonder.
However, the Canadian left-back has consistently proven himself as one of the best defenders, not only for his club but also for his national team, where he is widely regarded as the top player.
Despite being primarily deployed as an attacking full-back on the left flank, Davies has demonstrated his versatility by excelling in various positions such as wing-back, left midfielder, or winger.
This is largely due to his explosive pace, exceptional dribbling skills, creativity, and crossing ability.
While he may not possess traditional defensive skills, Davies thrives in Bayern Munich’s attacking style, often making recovery runs and exploiting spaces to contribute offensively.
His strong chemistry with teammates, particularly wingers, is crucial to his success. Davies frequently utilizes his electric pace to make overlapping and underlapping runs, adding a significant dimension to Bayern’s attacking play.
4. Andrew Robertson – (Liverpool)
Robertson has been an integral part of Liverpool’s success under Klopp’s high-pressing style of play, playing a key role alongside his teammates.
Initially seen as a player with potential during his time at Hull City, Robertson’s move to Liverpool transformed him into one of Europe’s most sought-after left-backs, excelling both offensively and defensively.
Since joining Liverpool, Robertson has consistently been regarded as one of the top left-backs in world football. Former Liverpool player Fábio Aurélio praised Robertson’s continuous improvement and work ethic, highlighting his dynamic partnership with Liverpool’s other full-back.
Robertson’s attacking prowess is built on his exceptional speed, creativity, and ability to deliver precise assists. His relentless work rate and offensive mindset constantly trouble opposition defenses from the left flank.
His instinctive overlapping runs and precise crosses contribute significantly to Liverpool’s attacking play, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Robertson epitomizes the modern full-back, excelling in both defensive duties and offensive contributions, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded player in today’s game.
5. Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
Federico Dimarco’s emergence as a standout left-back for Inter Milan has created a dilemma for the club regarding the role of previous entrant Robin Gosens.
Dimarco, a promising young talent, is known for his versatility, capable of playing on both the left and right sides of defense. His attributes include exceptional pace, relentless work rate, goal-scoring ability, and a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. Additionally, he poses a threat during set pieces.
These qualities make Dimarco a valuable asset for both defensive stability and offensive contributions. Despite his relatively small stature, he possesses strength and technical skills.
His blistering pace and accurate left foot have become vital for Inter under coach Simone Inzaghi, with Dimarco playing a significant role in the team’s attacking strategies. His performances have garnered widespread acclaim, with few left-backs in Serie A matching his abilities.
Dimarco’s impact was particularly evident during Inter’s journey to the Champions League final in 2023, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
6. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
After his successful stint with Lyon in Ligue 1, Mendy made a significant impact upon joining Real Madrid in 2019, where he was earmarked as the long-term successor to stalwart Marcelo.
Mendy’s contributions have been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, including two La Liga titles and their recent Champions League triumph.
Known for his supportive play and dribbling abilities, Mendy often initiates attacks for his team. His dribbling statistics, averaging 4.98 dribbles per game with a success rate of 77.9%, highlight his effectiveness in this aspect of the game.
However, Mendy’s value extends beyond attacking prowess. He excels in defensive duties, showcasing strong abilities in intercepting passes, winning aerial duels, and maintaining defensive solidity.
These attributes have solidified his reputation as a defensive stalwart for Real Madrid.
Despite facing limitations due to injuries, Mendy has consistently delivered when called upon, demonstrating his versatility and completeness as a left-back. His well-rounded skill set cements his status as one of the premier left-backs in the world.
7. Aleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko for Arsenal’s midfield has turned into a stroke of brilliance, with the Ukrainian excelling unexpectedly at left-back in the 2023/23 season.
Zinchenko’s versatility and technical prowess have been crucial for Arsenal, as he seamlessly transitions between defensive and attacking roles from his left-back position.
Operating from deep, Zinchenko intelligently drifts into central areas, where his exceptional passing range allows him to dictate play and break lines effectively.
While his stats may not reflect his impact outright, with only one goal and two assists, Zinchenko’s influence on Arsenal’s game cannot be underestimated.
Although he occasionally ventures forward from his left-back role, Zinchenko typically maintains his width rather than cutting inside like an inverted fullback.
However, Zinchenko’s one-on-one defending ability has been questioned, as highlighted by his struggles against Trent Alexander-Arnold, where he was easily beaten by a simple feint.
Furthermore, his positioning and awareness sometimes leave something to be desired, with his lack of pace exacerbating the issue at times.
8. Raphael Guerreiro – (Bayern Munich)
Guerreiro is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic full-backs in the game, bringing excitement to every match he plays.
His impact is felt most prominently in the attacking third, where he demonstrates efficiency and creativity. Yet, he’s not just about attacking prowess; Guerreiro also excels as a ball-carrier, embodying the modern-day full-back archetype.
Despite his smaller stature, Guerreiro compensates for any physical limitations with his tactical intelligence, ensuring that defensive weaknesses are kept to a minimum. His versatility has even seen him utilized effectively in midfield by Thomas Tuchel.
Technically, Guerreiro is near-perfect, but it’s his deep understanding of the game that truly sets him apart. He’s the player his team turns to when facing challenges, always making the right tactical decisions.
Guerreiro’s proactive style is evident in his progressive passing and forward-thinking play. However, his aggressive approach does have its drawbacks, particularly in defense, where he sometimes avoids direct confrontations and struggles in aerial battles against stronger opponents.
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9. Miguel Gutierrez
During the summer of 2019, Miguel Gutiérrez received a significant opportunity to showcase his talent when he was called up to the Real Madrid first team by coach Zinedine Zidane for the Audi Cup, filling in for the injured Ferland Mendy.
He became the first player born in 2001 from a Real Madrid training center to make it to the first team.
After impressing with Girona, Gutiérrez could be on his way back to Real Madrid soon. Under the guidance of manager Michel, Girona has emerged as a surprise contender in La Liga, with Gutiérrez playing a role that defies conventional left-back norms.
Despite being classified as a full-back, Gutiérrez’s style, intelligence, game understanding, and spatial awareness are reminiscent of a midfielder.
He consistently positions himself well to receive passes, demonstrates composure under pressure, and possesses exceptional passing ability, often initiating attacks with precise distribution.
Gutiérrez’s physical attributes have also seen improvement, allowing him to maintain a high level of performance throughout matches. This season, he has demonstrated his endurance by completing every minute of Girona’s three games so far.
With his impressive physical profile and adaptability across different areas of the pitch, Gutiérrez has emerged as one of La Liga’s standout left-backs this season.
READ ALSO | 10 Of The Highest Scoring Defenders Of All Time
10. Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
Destiny Udogie, the Nigerian-Italian sensation, has taken the Premier League by storm, quickly establishing himself as one of Tottenham’s standout players. Known for his explosive runs into the final third and exceptional ball control, he poses a constant threat to opposition defenses.
Defensively, Udogie is both astute and aggressive, demonstrating a fearlessness in his tackling and a willingness to engage opponents head-on.
His proactive defensive style often sees him pressing high up the pitch when Spurs are in possession, yet he possesses the speed to track back and thwart counterattacks.
Standing tall at 6’2″, Udogie’s imposing presence makes him a formidable opponent for attackers.
Despite his height advantage, he is rarely challenged aerially, although his stature could be advantageous in defending against crosses, particularly if deployed as a left-back in a traditional four-man defense.
In possession, Udogie’s decision-making can sometimes falter, leading to instances where he holds onto the ball for too long. While this tendency may draw fouls and disrupt opposing teams, it also leaves Tottenham vulnerable to counterattacks.
However, as Udogie progresses closer to the opposition’s box, his ability to link up with teammates improves significantly.
Other Best Left Backs In The World 2024
- David Raum – (RB Leipzig)
- Jose Gaya – (Valencia)
- Samuel Lino (Atletico)
- Pervis Estupinan (Brighton)
- Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)
- Nuno Mendes (PSG)
- Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
- Luca Netz (Monchengladbach)
- Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus)
- Cristiano Biraghi (Fiorentina)
- Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
- Alfie Doughty (Luton)
- Lucas Beraldo (PSG)
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